The Ultimate First Time Homebuyers Guide

This resource guide, compiled by a team at The Home Depot, is designed to assist first-time homebuyers through the process of evaluating a home’s condition and understanding some of the most common repairs and renovations a house may require.

Presented by The Home Depot Taking the step from renter to homeowner is one of the most empowering and memorable moments in a person’s life. Before investing savings and committing to a mortgage agreement, however, it’s important to thoroughly inspect the home you want to buy and to understand the extent and cost of renovations it may need. This resource guide, compiled by a team at The Home Depot, is designed to assist first-time homebuyers through the process of evaluating a home’s condition and understanding some of the most common repairs and renovations a house may require. The guide spans topics that include foundations, roofing, plumbing, heating and cooling and the electrical system.What to Look For During Your Home InspectionFrom the foundation to the roof to the electrical system, understand the basics during your walkthrough.Click Here1. Is the home structurally secure?DIY Home Inspector Checklist: 25 Places to WatchBefore signing a contract, look out for the most common (and costly) problems. Click HereSix Signs that the Home Could Be a LemonLook out for common signs of hidden major problems. Click HereSigns of Foundation Problems to Look Out ForA home without a solid foundation can be a serious money pit.Click HereHow to Assess the Severity of a Home Foundation ProblemNotice cracks or fissures? Evaluate the extent of the damage before proceeding. Click HereIdentifying Termites and Termite DamageThese pests can be tough to eradicate, and they can literally eat you out of house and home.Click HereLook Out for Mold and MoistureEstablished mold can affect your family’s health and require extensive renovations. Click HereHow to Inspect Vinyl SidingVinyl is affordable and attractive, but can hide damage underneath. Click Here2. Do You Have a Solid Roof Over Your Head?Evaluate the Condition of the RoofFrom curling shingles to buckling, roof issues may be part of your negotiation process. Click HereSeven Signs That You Need a New RoofLook out for these common issues atop your new home.Click HereHow to Find (and Fix) Leaks in a RoofDon’t be caught off-guard by the first rainstorm in your new home. Click HereHow to Replace a Roof – VIDEOUnderstand what it takes to repair and replace your new home’s roof. Click Here3. Big Ticket Plumbing Issues to InspectHome Plumbing Inspection ChecklistGet the big picture of how water flows through the home. Click HereHow to Check for Hidden Leaks in Your Home’s Plumbing System – VIDEOAre your pipes watertight?Click HereWarning Signs of a Water Leak In Your Home – VIDEOLook out for telltale indications of potentially drastic plumbing problems. Click HereIs There a Clog in Your Main Sewer Line? (Outbound flow of water)Ensure that your wastewater has a clear path out of the home. Click Here Is There a Problem With Your Inbound Flow Causing Low Water Pressure?Nobody likes a shower without enough water pressure. Click Here Does the Water Heater Need to Be Replaced?Reliable hot water is a necessity that should come with a home. Click Here 4. Check the Heating SystemHeating System – Check for Safety and PerformanceWhat type of heating system does the home have? Click Here Check That the Furnace Works ProperlyDon’t buy a house during summer and be caught in the cold in the winter. Click Here Furnace Troubleshooting ChecklistSome furnace issues may require only a quick fix — others could affect the sale price. Click Here Buying an Older Home? How to Troubleshoot a Hot Water and Steam Distribution SystemMake sure you have a qualified repairman before purchasing an antiquated system.Click Here How to Troubleshoot a Forced Air Distribution SystemIf you have hot air but no flow, the problem may only be the fan. Click Here5. Check the Cooling SystemCheck That the HVAC System Works ProperlyReplacing an HVAC is expensive — make sure yours will last for years to come. Click Here Do You Need to Replace the A/C Unit?Educate yourself to negotiate a new system if the existing one is failing. Click Here Central Air Conditioning System InspectionGauge the condition and lifespan of the existing units.Click Here Air Conditioning / Heat Pump Repair GuideOftentimes a repair can add years to a system’s lifespan. Click Here 6. Check the Home’s Energy EfficiencyConduct a Home Energy Assessment – VIDEOHow much power will the home require? Click HereAre the Doors and Windows Tightly Sealed?Find gaps in your home’s seal before being stuck with a hefty heating and cooling bill.Click HereLook for Efficient Window TreatmentsIs the home designed to maximize energy efficiency? Click HereGauge the Home’s Energy Yardstick to Measure the Building’s Energy EfficiencyGet the big picture of what you can expect to spend each year on power. Click Here7. Is the Electrical System Up to Code and Sufficient for Your Needs?Conduct a Basic Home Electrical Safety CheckLook for signs of faulty wiring that could lead to a fire. Click Here How to Conduct a Home Electrical System Inspection – VIDEOEnsure that the wiring is solid and reliable. Click HereIs the Electrical System Up to Code?Don’t buy a house with wiring that doesn’t meet current standards. Click Here 10 Wiring Problems SolvedMany electricity issues can be quickly fixed — others require a major overhaul. Click Here Determining the Capacity of a Residential Electric ServiceWill the home meet your anticipated power needs? Click Here 8. Is the home prepared for a natural disaster or severe weather?What Do You Need to Make Sure Your Home is Ready for a Storm?Be confident that the house can withstand high winds. Click HereAre There Steps in Place to Avoid a Home Fire?Check that the home is not at unnecessary risk for a fire.Click HereAre You Ready for a Flood? How to Install a Sump PumpInvest in a pump to avoid devastating damage from a flood. Click Here For more great tips check out The Home Depot on Facebook and Twitter. Read more home buyer tips and resources.

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A native of Los Angeles, yet raised in Europe, Christophe gained valuable experience traveling the world as an international fashion model before beginning his real estate career at age 19. Fluent in French and Spanish, Christophe's continual pursuit of education and training, together with tri-lingual abilities, are assets that benefit his customers.